There are two main base camps on Mount Everest that are used by climbers attempting to reach the summit of the mountain: the South Base Camp in Nepal and the North Base Camp in Tibet. Both of these base camps are located at high elevations and serve as a starting point for climbers as they acclimatize to the thin air and prepare for their summit attempt.
The South Base Camp is located in Nepal at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). It is situated on the south side of Mount Everest and is the starting point for most climbing expeditions on the mountain. The South Base Camp is also known as the “traditional route” and is the route that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay took in 1953 when they became the first people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest.
The North Base Camp is located in Tibet at an elevation of 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). It is situated on the north side of Mount Everest and is the starting point for climbing expeditions that approach the mountain from the north. The North Base Camp is also known as the “Tibetan route” and is considered to be a more challenging route to the summit than the South Base Camp due to the higher elevations and more difficult terrain.
In this blog, we are going to write about how to reach Everest Base Camp from the Nepal side i.e. South Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp by Trekking
- Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and make arrangements for your trek, including obtaining necessary permits, hiring a guide or joining a trekking group, and arranging transportation to Lukla.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. The flight to Lukla is a short but scenic one, with stunning views of the Himalayas.
- From Lukla, begin your trek to the base camp. The trek to the base camp typically takes about 10-12 days, depending on your pace and route. You will pass through several villages and towns along the way, such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche.
- As you trek, be sure to acclimatize properly to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness. It is also important to stay hydrated, eat well, and take rest days as needed.
- When you reach the base camp, take some time to explore the area and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to also visit the nearby Khumbu Glacier and the iconic Hillary Step.
- When you are ready to return, retrace your steps back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp by Helicopter Tour
If you want to reach Everest Base Camp by helicopter tour, you can book a helicopter tour with a reputable tour operator. Many tour operators offer helicopter tours to the base camp, which typically include round-trip transportation from Kathmandu, a stop at the base camp, and a flight over some of the highest peaks in the region.
Here are the steps to take to reach Everest Base Camp by helicopter tour:
- Book a helicopter tour with a reputable tour operator. Make sure to ask about the safety record and experience of the tour operator.
- Arrange transportation to the helicopter departure point in Kathmandu. Most tours depart from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Meet at the helicopter departure point and go through a safety briefing before boarding the helicopter.
- During the helicopter tour, you will fly over stunning mountain scenery, including the highest peaks in the region, such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
- The helicopter will make a stop at the base camp, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to also visit the nearby Khumbu Glacier and the iconic Hillary Step.
- After exploring the base camp, you will board the helicopter and return to Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp by Horse Riding
It is possible to reach Everest Base Camp by horse riding, although it is not a common way to get there. Horse riding can be a more strenuous way to reach the base camp, as you will be riding for several days over rough terrain and at high altitudes. It is important to be physically fit and well-prepared for the challenges of the ride and to have some experience with horseback riding.
Popular Hiking Routes to Reach EBC
There are several popular hiking routes to reach the South Base Camp of Mount Everest, also known as the Nepal Base Camp. Here are some of the most popular routes:
The Classic EBC Route
This is the most popular and well-known route to the base camp, and it starts from Lukla, a small town in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. The trek takes about 10-12 days, depending on your pace and route, and passes through several villages and towns along the way, such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche.
The Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Route
This route takes a more scenic and challenging route to the base camp, passing through the Gokyo Lakes and over the Cho La Pass. The trek takes about 14-16 days and is suitable for more experienced trekkers.
The Jiri to EBC Route
This route starts in Jiri, a town located south of Kathmandu, and takes a longer but more authentic and cultural route to the base camp. The trek takes about 21-25 days and passes through several villages and towns along the way, including Salleri, Solu, and Namche Bazaar.